Hey there! I'm 31 and had my 6th OHS almost 2 years ago. Still to this day I get a little chest soreness if I lay in the same position for too long. I opted not to do cardiac rehab after surgery and I really regret it. In fact, at my post op appointment next week, I am going t ask the Dr. if I can start now. Better late than never, right? You'll feel normal again... I promise. Us heart patients have a "new kind of normal" I like to call it. It may be uncomfortable or weird for others, but it woks for us. Good luck!!!

I happened to check in and saw your update. My year milestone will be June 18th, and funny that things are just now starting to hurt. My leg is still numb most of the time, but at least I can feel the side of my head and neck again. Never bothersome, only felt weird for a long time.

The thoracotomy incision has started hurting just in the last few days (I assume just nerves finally coming back together).

My surgery was May 29,2012 and I still have some numbness in my inner thigh from where they did the heart-lung bypass pump, but it is not awful. I know what you mean by "new normal". My mitral valve repair was not 100% successful so I still have moderate regurgitation - better than the severe regurg I went into it with but definitely not the 0-mild regurg I was hhoping for. Anyway, I know my limits and when the fatigue gets to me I just have to let things go and rest. I hope the physical therapy helps with your shoulder and neck pain. You are in my prayers - I was a young mother of four 30 years ago and I know how tiring that can be. Take one day at a time, God's mercy is new each morning. Take care and God bless, Densie Kirchner

Chrissy,
I had really bad pain in my shoulder that just kept getting worse for seven months after surgery. I finally had an MRI and was told my rotators cuff muscles were "frayed". It happens because of the position they put your arms in during surgery. I went to physical therapy for two months and it gradually got better. At about a year after surgery it was about 95% better. Still isn't 100%, but at least the pain is mostly gone.
Good luck to you.

Hi Chrissy-
My surgery was 5/25 so I think I'm 9 wks now...
My incision does not hurt, but it feels some days like it's glued real tight(which it was glued). Sometimes it is still hard for me to get comfy, especially in bed. A bit achy, but no real pain/pain meds.
I returned back to work at 7 wks, 2 wks ago. Week 1 I did 7:30-2 and this week I did 7:30-3. Next week I hope to be back to somewhat normal, 7:30-4 though I am planning to do 8 hrs on two days a week and continue with cardiac rehab.
If you have the option to go back every other day, 1/2 days or part-time I would recommend that. I did notice a difference. Being home first couple of weeks I napped twice a day, then once a day and then I was able to go at my own pace. At work things are usually a bit more fast-paced.
Hope you have at least enjoyed the summer with your kids and got to use the pool/stay cool. Take care.
Karen Campo

I returned to work yesterday (8 weeks post op), but for 1/2 days only for the next 3 weeks due to the seroma in my groin that is painful and seems to get larger when I sit for extended periods. Four hours was enough for me as the seroma gets painful with extended sitting and I have a desk job. Even without the seroma I think I would have pushed for part time for at least the first 2 weeks, just to ease back into the full time schedule. Just talk to your doctor about it, I am sure he or she will agree that getting back into work gradually is probably, especially if you are still fatigued and not sleeping comfortably at night. I am praying for you. Take care!

It was 3 weeks post surgery before my Dr said I could sleep on anything but my back. My scar area was sensitive for quite a while, I could feel a "pulling" when trying to do anything, you just have to be patient there, something I am not so good at

I had a thorocotomy - incision between the ribs and I had to sleep in a recliner on my back for the first 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. Once I migrated to our bed I had to use lots of pillows and still slept on my back for another week. I was not able to sleep comfortable on my side until about 4 1/2 weeks after surgery. As Deb Z said below be patient - everyone heals at a different pace. Hang in there you are doing great! Take care. Denise K

Hi Chrissy,
It took me a good 2 and a half months before I could sleep on my side. It was just too painful. I would read about all these people that did it at three weeks out, and I couldn't believe it. Just be patient.....it will get better. Everyone heals at a different pace.

Hi Chrissy, I came across your journal tonight while checking on some of my friends on HVJ and was compelled to write to you. I had my Mitral Valve repair on 5/29/12 and am now 7 weeks post op and feel great - it really does get better! You have a lot on your plate being a young mom - can't imagine going through that with young children - what a brave woman you are! I just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and praying for you as you continue to recover. Take care and God bless you and your beautiful family. Denise Kirchner

Chrissy Fowler thank you I will check it out. Yes the jewelry AND the shipping are pricey. I joined medicalert.org and got a $10 bracelet that is WAY too big on me. So the ... Read more

Chrissy Fowler thank you I will check it out. Yes the jewelry AND the shipping are pricey. I joined medicalert.org and got a $10 bracelet that is WAY too big on me. So the hunt continues. I always have Champagne taste on a Beer budget.

On July 2, 2012...

Hi Chrissy,
Hope you're having a good morning. I feel as you do; I got a bracelet thru a company I found online: Lauren's Hope. I got it as I don 't want my son to have to answer questions should I become dizzy or pass out in the grocery store... I simply put on it mitral valve repair, my ICE #, cardiologist # and med allergies. Hope that helps. Stay well, Kate R

Chrissy, yeah It's me again. Paul G.. I felt the same way for the first three weeks. But I started doing some walking and such and that walking really helped me. Hopefully you will be like many here and you will get to a day that you will feel completely different. I hit that day about 4 weeks out from my surgery. It was weird. I woke up one day and went downstairs for breakfast and suddenly realized I made there without having that searing pain in my right side where they spread my ribs for the robotic arms and camera. So a little more patience. Just remember, and I think I already said this, Your body just went through a pretty traumatic event. give it a little time to get back liking you. BTW I was patient and have the ring and like Nacy B said, no one ever mentioned the ID bracelet to me either. I don;t suppose it would hurt to wear one, but you should be healed up in a few months. I'd be worried that bracelet would make feel like I wasn't well. It would be like a crutch or something negative to remind me all the time about it. I can tell you in a few months you won't even think about it much.
And another thing. If the incision that your having an issue with is a lower groin area one, mine is still a bit sore two and half months out. But it is getting better and most of the numbness at that site is gone now. Patience Chrissy. Patience. Take it easy. Three weeks is still early in your recovery. I know you want to be all better like today, but that ain;t gonna happen. I was still laying on the couch most of the day at three weeks. I'm still rooting for ya Chrissy. Be healthy, be patient, be careful, And God Bless.
Now go lie down. take a nap. dream happy thoughts.
Paul G.

Chrissy Fowler I was advised at discharge to get one. Bc I have a heart condition / heart patient and i have an annuloplasty ring around my mitral valve.

On June 30, 2012...

Hi Chrissy,
Just thinking of you this evening.. I hope you are having a good night. I am glad you got through the surgery and are now home.. I know.. it is tough.. but it does get better.. slowly.
Hang in there; you're in my prayers. Best wishes for your recovery, Kate R, fellow regurgitator..no more!

Hi Chrissy, Get back on your pain meds for a while. Everyday will get better with the next. I know this heat doesnt help with anything but just try and stay cool. Just keep telling yourself I can do it. Take care and here is to better tomorrow.
For the long haul
LInda H

Chrissy, I know what you mean. I am approx 2 weeks out from my AVR, and it feels like I am rcovering from a "train wreck". Take it slow,use your meds,walk, all the boring stuff they tell you. I have limited energy,but find small frequent "meals", or sipping protein drinks helps. Hang in there!
Tracy

Maybe you have a somewhat lower tolerance for pain than a lot of other people. Whatever it be, however, don't try to do without those meds when they are still there for you to take. So I say "ditto" to all the others who have expressed similar sentiments.

I don't want to be unnecessarily negative about this, BUT be thankful for what you don't have: the "oxygen problem", SOB, AFib, all kinds of other stuff we read about from HVJers all the time. Pain will ease in time, and you will be good as new, without all those other complications. So, keep your head up and be patient! You have so much going for you in terms of recovery!

Hi Chrissy,
I had my surgery right after you and so I can relate to alot of what you are saying. I had to stay a whole week in the hospital after surgery (mini stern) because my oxygen level wasn't high enough. I finally talked them into letting me go home with oxygen and now I am off that. Never had any pain to speak of and not on pain meds but still that awful "struck by a truck" feeling and no energy......everything is an effort. Like you I just want to feel better NOW and I'm not being very patient about it. I know I need to walk more but I am limited to walking in my house as my yard/grounds are very uneven and hilly.
The big plus for me was that my best friend stayed with me the whole week at the hospital (NYPresbyterian has guest quarters) and made sure I had some good food and of course, company.
I think the sadness you feel is normal as I felt it too, but the body has been under some tremendous stresses and traumas. The best medicine for me was a visit from the legendary Mitch Friedman. He should be our roaming goodwill ambassador!!!!
I do see slight improvements each day, so hang in there Chrissy and don't let the pain get ahead of you.
Blessings,
Joan D.

Great to finally hear from you Chrissy!
It's not an easy road, but you can do this. Have you been doing daily short walks? I think this really helps. Our energy has been zapped from the surgery and meds and you need to rebuild yourself. Also be sure to drink plenty of water. It will come, just be patient.

What Jerry said. Pain slows you down and makes your experience unpleasant. If you knock it down you will move more. Moving more helps you heal quicker. Healing quicker will make the pain go away. The pain going away will let you get off the pain meds. -- DVB

Hi Chrissy,
I was so happy to read your posts. For me, reading your posts meant that you went through your sugery okay, and that you were functioning fine. I am sorry to hear about your pain and the discomfort you had to endure with no AC. And I completely feel you on wanting to have your family around and in the room with you. When I was in the heart care unit for a week in Feb. my husband made me feel as though it was a chore to get the kids ready and come up to see me or boring to just sit with me. I couldn't hold back the tears. I don't really think I have forgiven him for that yet either. So kudos to you for how you handled things. You are so strong. Speaking of strong, I hope this letter finds you home and happy and resting well. Now that life has finally slowed down, I realize how much I miss seeing your smile at the Girls Scout meetings. :)
Clarissa says hi and to get well soon.
We Love Ya!

Been a coupe of days. How are you feeling? Any better? Pain still bothering you as much as before? I hope your doing better. Tried any walking yet? Questions questions...yes I am a pain in my own right.....Ha!
Paul G.

Chrissy Fowler Thanks for checking in. I was discharged Weds afternoon. The night before I ran a temp of 101 so I wasn't sure I'd get to go but I did.

Working on controlling the pain, walking coughing breathing deep and just trying to get better. Glad to be home with my kids and husband.

On June 14, 2012...

Chrissy, I hope you are home and am looking forward to your updates. The recovery road is tough the first week but it does get better! Hang in there and stay determined, you made it over the mountain! Thinking of you!
Holly P

Hi Chrissy,
I sure hope you're feeling better and that you're home. I'm so sorry about the AC problem at the hospital and your pain.
I hope each day is better than the one before it.
Thinking of you and keeping the you and the other HV patients in my prayers.
Mollie

Like Lisa says, keep your chin up. You'll be home soon and resting. Everything gets better in a few days, so just muster up all your strength and just think good thoughts.
I'm still praying for you. God Bless!
Paul G.

BTW My wife bought me a bunch of get well balloons...That never happens either. LOL.

Hi Chrissy,
Take deep breathes to get your oxygen level up. It works immediately. They had me on oxygen only when I slept because my o2 level would drop when I slept and breathed shallowly.
Sounds like we have the same holes.
Let me know if you need a recommendation for a good bra...I think I found one that works for my incisions.

Yeah, it's good to hear from you. I am doing okay except low blood pressure. I saw my cardio today who will be sending me to cardiac rehab. I am seeing the surgeon on Monday. Ha my hubby never gives me flowers either, but he had them waiting for me at home. It is amazing how everyone really steps up when something like this happens. I was on oxygen until the day before discharge and I had blood sugar issues but no med history of diabetes. Keep the posts coming and keep up the good healing. Karen

Chrissy Fowler My resting heart rate was elevated plus I was over due by a year or two for my stress echo. It had worsened so much that the Doctor decIded to do a T.E,E. This ... Read more

Chrissy Fowler My resting heart rate was elevated plus I was over due by a year or two for my stress echo. It had worsened so much that the Doctor decIded to do a T.E,E. This established I would need surgery to repair my mitral valve

Hi Chrissy-
Just checking in to see how you are doing. Looking forward to your next post. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you, even if it is just listening to you vent from our various locations.
Take care and feel better.

No sugar coating it Chrissy. It ain't gonna be fun and don't expect it to be easy. You just went through a pretty traumatic thing and your body will be hating you for it for a while. I tell people it took about three weeks for me to just get over the drainage tube pain. Let alone all the other holes they put in our bodies. The best part about it is you can whine and no one will make you feel bad for doing it. Just keep a positive attitude and keep in mind this was all for the better. You have a family that depends on and loves you so you need to get healthy not just for you but for them. You are lucky to have kids and husband you can lean on. So, do it. Tell them it is pay back time and they damned well better do it. LOL. I love my wife even more for putting up with me those past few weeks and the days in the hospital. Now it is time for you to get a little compassion and love back. Take the pain thing one day at a time. It will make you stronger. Try not to laugh for a few days. Or sneeze. yikes the sneezing will make your brain jump. I used to sneeze. Then I would do the Oh-my-God thing, then start to laugh at it all. No way was I letting that get to me. I rushed too much to do the walking thing when I got home. Take it easy the first few days home. Relax. Listen to some good music. Let your hair grow back. For crying out loud be careful and don;t try to go clean the house until you are way better. Yeah I know I am scolding you before you even did anything. But I read your whole journal and you are a worrier. Worrying about stuff is a negative action and you need to keep positive. Do it. Keep positive dammit.......
I am going to keep coming back here to check up on you. So you better be good.
LOL!......
BTW...Glad you made it through the operation that you were sooooo worried about. Aren't those surgeons great? Now follow directions, and get better.

Chrissy Fowler Apparently the surgery is the easier part compared to recovery. Something like this makes you count your blessings. I have two birthdays now, my original on 2/21 and the new one June 8th????

Chrissy,
Good to hear the surgery is in your rear view mirror. Get through your hospital stay and then go home and recover. You need to take charge of your recover, especially if you live with people for which nurturing does not come naturally. Tell them what you need and appreciate what they do. Try your hardest to ignore the rest....hard as it may be.
Hope your recovery goes smoothly.

Christy, good to hear from you this quickly. I would get o them about the pain and they should try different approach if the current one isn't working for you.

Many of the docs, cardiac nurses, and past past patients i have spoken with have all said, "don't try and be a hero with the pain meds, take as much as they will give you the in the beginning". I then explain I have no intention of that whatsoever..